Milford-based Boy Scouts chapter openly accepts gay members

Published 12:00 am, Tuesday, May 21, 2013

MILFORD - The Connecticut Yankee Council of the Boy Scouts of America announced late last week that they accept all individuals to their chapter, regardless of sexual orientation.

The statement, posted on the chapter's website by Council President Michael Abrahamson, comes as Boy Scouts of America's National Council continues to debate lifting a policy which bans openly gay members from serving.

"We are committed to our mission, we respect other's viewpoints, and we are welcoming of others," Abrahamson said in the statement. "Scouting in the Connecticut Yankee Council is open to all youth and adults who subscribe to the values of the Scout Oath and Law regardless of their personal sexual orientation."

Wednesday begins the Boy Scouts of America's National Annual Meeting and on Thursday delegates from the organization are expected to vote on lifting the policy against gay youths. In 2000, the Supreme Court ruled that as a private organization, Boy Scouts have the right to exclude gay people from joining.

The Connecticut Yankee Council, based in Milford, serves over 17,000 youths in Fairfield, New Haven and Hartford Counties.